PNG Ports welcomes shipping company

THE Papua New Guinea Ports Corporation Ltd has welcomed the China Ocean Shipping Company (Cosco) for expanding its services to the country.
According to PNG Ports Ltd, Cosco Shipping Lines, the world’s largest integrated shipping group and the third largest container shipping line, would now service PNG with bi-monthly vessel calls through Inchcape Shipping Services as its local PNG agents.
According to a PNG Ports statement, the maiden voyage into PNG was that of container ship Hansa Cloppenburg who called into the Lae Port on Thursday.
Tokyo Trader will follow on Oct 25 under the arrangement between Inchcape Shipping and Cosco Shipping.
PNG Ports managing director Fego Kiniafa welcomed the bi-monthly service and commended Cosco for using its global network and introducing a new shipping service to the country.
“As the premier port services provider and owner of the international port facilities in the country, PNG Ports remains committed to working with Cosco and Inchcape, as we all work together to maintain the flow of goods in and out of the country,” Kiniafa said.
“We acknowledge the reputation and standing Cosco has within the shipping industry and look forward to providing efficient service that is on par with standard global practices, including fast turnaround times,
“Our country also has a strong relationship with China in terms of trade and such partnerships enhances this connection.”
The service is part of Cosco’s China/South Pacific service, which will offer fortnightly service connections between China and the Pacific islands.
Cosco shipping owns and operates 403 container vessels and ranks third in the world in terms of shipping capacity.